Recruiting for cyber security skills post Covid-19
Read the original blog on CWJobs' website
Covid-19 led to an increase in people working from home, which meant more online transactions and a rise in malicious cyber attacks. According to a recent statistic shared by software company, Tessian, 47% of individuals fall for a phishing scam while working at home.
For many businesses in the UK, cyber skills have become crucial to protecting their assets and continuing their operations online. On CWJobs’ platform, ‘cyber security’ was the third top keyword search in January and February 2021, with a 16% month-on-month increase.
Cyber skills are in high demand right now and will continue to be as markets start to re-open. Companies, therefore, need to know what the market trends are, what to look for in cyber security candidates and how to bridge the skills gap.
A statistic released by the UK Government confirms that 43% of cyber security businesses that recruited in the past 3 years, say they had challenges because applicants lacked technical skills or knowledge.
To learn more about the cyber security capabilities in the UK, CWJobs spoke with Tom Chapman , Director of Iceberg, leading cyber security recruitment company that trusts CWJobs to source quality tech candidates with cyber security skills.
What is the state of the cyber security market now, and how do you think the demand for skilled candidates will change throughout 2021 and beyond?
It’s a great time to be starting your cyber security journey or looking at a potential career move. We’re seeing organisations being more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to making sure they have the right systems, controls, and personnel in place. The demand is always going to be high and for me, that’s because the security market is full of innovation. In today’s world, protecting data and assets is how organisations build trust with their customers.
CWJobs’ recent research revealed that 55% of workers outside the tech industry who are thinking of changing careers, would consider going into tech. Is entry-level talent and career changers the key to bridging the tech skills gap in cyber security?
As a business, we’ve seen more opportunities arise for internships (something the UK is lacking compared to our friends in the U.S.) but still not enough. Providing entry-level talent with the chance to be mentored is something the industry needs more of. In my opinion, there isn’t one answer to bridging the skills gap in cyber security, it’s going to take a combination of things, including, a diverse range of skill sets and talents. Non-technical security positions are just as important, which again, shows just how wide open a career in security can be.
CWJobs research into tech training has found that it is considered an important incentive for tech employees. Does this apply to cyber security candidates? What do they look for in a job role and are employers adapting to those needs?
Training and development are always going to be key in attracting and retaining talent, so I would agree this is a big driver. From the security talent we place, the opportunity to conduct research and gain new certifications is an important incentive. Also, the diversity in projects and internal mobility.
CWJobs’ report on UK tech hubs identified Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham as the leading cities. Would you say these are the areas that hire the most for cyber skills?
Before the pandemic I’d have said yes. However, in 2021 and beyond, I’d expect to see more remote positions become available. I’ve seen more adverts on TV, radio and social media than ever before - even local councils are getting bigger cyber budgets. So, I don’t think it’ll matter where you’re based - the cyber skills demand will continue to grow.
What initiatives can employers looking to hiring cyber security skills implement to attract more diverse candidates?
This is something the industry is working hard on, and still needs time to develop. I’d say that being aware of the language used in job adverts is crucial. It’s important to demonstrate inclusivity and to avoid words that are gender-specific, or show bias in any way.
What else do you think is important for employers to know when hiring cyber security talent?
Cyber security talent can be discouraged when they see a job description that’s a combination of 3 or 4 roles put together. Employers need to really understand what it is they need and then demonstrate to candidates how they’re investing in security, not just in the short-term but for the future as well.
Jill Broom
Jill Broom
Jill leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.
Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824
Annie Collings
Annie Collings
Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.
In her role, Annie supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.
Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- anniecollings24
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/
Tracy Modha
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02073312000
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83